Haltom City Police Officer Investigated for Spanking Child

A police officer in the Fort Worth suburb of Haltom City is under investigation after spanking two children according to the Houston Chronicle.

The two siblings, five-year-old boy and six-year-old girl, tried to run into the street. The grandmother, who adopted the children, called police because she couldn't catch up with them.

"My grandson broke a backyard gate and ran down the street. His sister just followed him because they thought it was just fun and games," the grandmother told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "Years ago, he would drive by my family's home and check on my mother, who was ill. He would check on her all the time. She died four years ago."

Two officers arrived and talked to the children about how dangerous a busy street can be. The grandmother believed the children were not respectful of the officers.

"He asked if I could get a belt and if he could spank them. I said yes. I went in, got the small belt and came back outside," the grandmother explained. "I have no complaints against that officer. We just wanted to put the fear of God in my grandchildren."

The spanking was described as a light tap once to each child's bottom.

Since it is an ongoing investigation, the officer's name has not been released but is still on active duty.

Here's my issue with the story, and it has nothing to do with the spanking. If this happened in November of last year, why wasn't this reported to authorities, as reported in the story, until last week? If the spanking was described as a "light tap", what is the harm? The grandmother, who is the legal gaurdian, gave the officer permission and witnessed the event and has no issue with the officer.